Effects of Weather Parameters on Signal Attenuation: A Brief Review

Over time, the study and forecast of weather phenomena have advanced, and the abundance of information gathered has contributed to a better understanding and anticipation of weather changes and their effects. This review aims to examine specific weather parameters and their impact on signals. Even in a line-of-sight situation, atmospheric conditions can cause radio waves that travel from a transmitter to a receiver to deviate from their anticipated range. Moreover, the strength of the signal may be influenced by a range of factors. For example, higher frequencies may result in weaker signals due to their shorter wavelengths, which increase the likelihood of hitting obstacles such as water molecules in the atmosphere. The dissipation of wave energy by water is a well-known phenomenon, whereby a portion of the wave energy is absorbed and converted into other forms of energy, such as heat. Thus causing a weakening effect on the wave. Conversely, signal strength can be enhanced by higher temperatures, and attenuated by higher humidity. The impact of atmospheric conditions on signal strength has been the subject of several informative studies. While some researchers have proposed that humidity is the primary factor that affects the strength of signals, others argue that temperature plays a more dominant role. Other factors that contribute to signal reduction include rainfall and beam spreading loss. These studies were conducted in different weather conditions and seasons, underscoring the need for further research in this area. The influence of the troposphere on communication is a crucial field that requires further investigation.